🍎 Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls 🍎
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, then gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Apple Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples. Cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, cooking for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rise for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.